The government arranged for some racers in the MotoGP 2022 World Championship in Buri Ram this weekend to try their hand at Muay Thai, and will screen it worldwide in a grand tourism promotion.
Deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Thursday that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) had arranged for some of the riders to take Muay Thai lessons at Rajadamnern Stadium on Tuesday this week.
The training sessions were recorded on video, which would be shown to the 800 million viewers in 207 countries expected to watch the racing.
Ms Traisuree said Dorna Sports, the organiser of the international MotoGP, had cooperated well and the government expected it to benefit the tourism sector in the long run.
TAT would also have an "Amazing Thailand Festival at ThaiGP" pavilion for visitos at the Chang International Circuit in Buri Ram, the venue of the 17th round of the MotoGP 2022 World Championship from Friday to Sunday, she said.
"The government plans to use the MotoGP event to support the Thai economy as much as possible, especially through the promotion of tourist destinations and soft power like Muay Thai and Thai food. These will attract tourists to Thailand in a timely fashion because Thailand is entering its high season," Ms Traisuree said.